Buster’s on 28th
Before trying Buster’s on 28th for the first time last week, the name left me with an image of video games and cheap, rubbery food. I know, I know…that’s Dave and Buster’s that I was thinking of, but I still couldn’t help the thought. After going to Buster’s on 28th, however, I can guarantee that if it was located in my neighborhood, Buster’s on 28th would be my regular pub.
Located on 28th Ave. and 42nd St. in South Minneapolis, Buster’s has that comfy neighborhood feel that attracts all. We went there on a Friday night and was amazed at how crowded the place was at 7pm. With standing room only at the bar and in the crowded entryway, we patiently waited for a table. We knew that if it was this crowded, it would be worth the wait. As we surveyed the crowd, we were surprised to see many couples dining alone or with friends and with young babies in car seats. One guy told us that Buster’s is his 3 month old daughter’s favorite restaurant because it has a constant buzz that aids her in sleeping soundly through the visit. I think that was code for actually being the couple’s favorite restaurant, but regardless, that kid has it right…Buster’s has that great buzz that I love in a restaurant.
While waiting, we surveyed the extensive beer selection. Beers from around the world and with their own glassware (which I love!) made up the menu and with 29 taps and 109 bottles to choose from it took us awhile to figure out what to order. I decided to go Belgian and ordered the Kwak, partly because of the cool glassware and wooden holder it is served in and partly because the description said it has a “slightly sweet, seductive malt character.” One taste and I had to agree.
We were seated for dinner and quickly explored the menu. Although almost tempted into ordering the chorizo drunken mussels and the wild mushroom bruschetta for starters, we went for the fresh cut sea salt and vinegar chips instead. It turns out that this was the exact right order. The potato chips were amazing! The ultra thin slices of potato were fried to a deep golden brown and lightly seasoned with sea salt and vinegar. They were then perfectly paired with a subtle, creamy french onion dip. Although I am usually more of a french fry person, these chips were hands down the best fried potatoes I have eaten all year.
I won’t rave about my dinner, which was a roast beef panini with portobello mushrooms, poblanos, caramelized onions and Fontina on pumpernickel bread, but this is mostly because I didn’t think the bread worked with the sandwich. I thought the bread was good and the sandwich fillings were tasty, but the together they just didn’t work for me. Without the spark that the perfect filling paired with perfect bread can create…a sandwich is just a sandwich.
Despite this, I will definitely return to Buster’s on 28th. The buzz, the beer and the perfectly made potato chips will guarantee that.
Buster’s on 28th
4204 28th Ave.
Minneapolis, MN
612.729.0911
Tags: beer, Food, restaurants, twin cities
